In the deal announced Tuesday, the Golden Knights picked up Carolina's fifth-round pick in the 2018 draft. Chicago traded Kruger to Vegas on Sunday for undisclosed future considerations.

"Especially with the expansion draft, you just had to expect the unexpected, in some regard," Kruger told NHL.com, when asked about being traded twice in a span of three days. "I was ready for most of it, but you never know what to expect. ... I'm excited for the upcoming season here. I've got a good feeling about it."

Used primarily as a checking-line forward, Kruger had five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 70 games last season. Overall, he has 33 goals and 72 assists for 105 points in 398 games over seven seasons and helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup twice, in 2013 and 2015.

Carolina general manager Ron Francis said the Hurricanes are "determined to bring in experienced players with winning pedigrees" and that Kruger "fits that mold."